September 18, 1922 - September 24, 2024
In loving memory ~
Viola Jane Massing-Ogilvie passed away peacefully at the Northcott Care Centre on September 24, 2024. It was 2 days after her 102nd birthday party. As her family we all feel a deep sadness at losing her. But we are grateful for Viola's long and productive life and for the enormous love and care she bestowed on family and community. Perhaps her time had come; it was time to pass the torch.
Viola was born September 18, 1922 at the Rutledge farm rented by her parents Mabel and Will Kinley in the Iowalta district. Her mother Mabel had experienced an early life of hardship and abuse. She would later describe Viola's birth as a profound experience of loving and being loved. The family would soon move to the Meadowbrook farm where Viola's five brothers were born: Roy, George, John, Fred, and Donnie. John is still with us. He and Viola have always been closely bonded.
At a very early age Viola became her mother's helpmate; looking after her brothers as Mabel did outside work on the farm. She passed grade nine in school. She would have really liked to pursue further education and perhaps to take music lessons, but the family economy of the time determined otherwise. Viola said that at a very early age, following the example of Mabel and Will and a woman in the community she admired, she decided to devote her life to family and helping others. She did just that in so many ways for all of her long life, beginning with care of her brothers. Mabel wrote in one of her 1951 columns in the Lacombe Globe: "Remember, folks, circumstances alters cases." Viola took up her mother's direction, forbidding us as children to speak ill of others.
As World War II loomed, Viola starred in a community play "The Wild Oats Boy" with Alex Ogilvie. In the play Alex' character sang "You Are My Sunshine" to her. At about the same time Viola met the dashing young Edwin Massing. When he went off to the East coast to join the Navy she decided to keep in touch by letter. Marriage ensued in due course. At least we think it did; the torrent of rain during the ceremony drowned out the minister's words. Viola joined Edwin in St. John's. She returned to Alberta for Duane's birth and she and Edwin settled on Edwin's farm with VLA support a year later. Edwin added to the little house as children started to arrive.
It's impossible to capture the fullness and challenges of rural life after the war; a time before electricity and television. Edwin the whistling carpenter did his best to support a growing family with farming and construction. Viola did a masterful job of parenting and making ends meet at home: gardening, cooking, berry picking and preserving, sewing and making over clothing. The Eaton's Christmas order was carefully curated to make the best of what money was available and what would be fair to each of us. Viola was famous for the little boxes of fudge she sent off to aunts and uncles. Family and community gatherings including summer church services in Elkhorn School were highlights. Viola and Edwin were steadfast in support of whatever we children chose to do. We always met at the Royal Hotel on the last day of school—Edwin shook hands and gave us a few dollars for the Stampede midway.
After Edwin and Viola sold the farm and moved to Ponoka Viola cooked at Northcott for 11 years. For many years she convened banquets including the annual Burns supper at the Legion. For many years, too, she was the hospital visitor for the Legion Auxiliary, United Church Women, and the Royal Purple. She also never missed any of the visits of auxiliary members to patients at Alberta Hospital. She was elected President of the Legion Auxiliary in 1966 for a two year term. She acted as chaplain for many years. She was awarded a life membership in the Legion in 1982 and was given a meritorious service award in 1996. She was also awarded Citizen of the Year by the Town of Ponoka.
Viola was predeceased by her son Ron (Bonnie, Andrea), son in law Sean, and grandson Bevan. She is lovingly remembered by her son Duane (Carole); daughters Myrna (Bill), Pat (Ken), and Conni (Bob); grandchildren Robin, Christine (Sean, 2017), Nevin (Lalaine), Loren (Abaigeǻl), Erin (Richard), Rowan (Kim Anh), Tristan (Mai Anh), Laurel, and Heather (Tom); great grandchildren Devin, Elena, Avery, Maggie, Ivy, Ryder, Rebecca, Natalie, August, Henry, Vesper, Ethan, and Julian.
Edwin passed away in 1997. Six decades after the Wild Oats Boy production, Alex reprised his role. He and Viola were married in 2002 and enjoyed several years together before Alex' passing in 2008.
During her 102 years, Viola truly lived out her plan of devoting her life to family and helping others. We give her a huge vote of thanks for all of her gifts that have enriched us in so many ways.
"Thinking of departed friends is to me something sweet and mellow. For when I had them with me it was with the feeling that I was going to lose them, and now that I have lost them I keep the feeling that I have them with me still." (Seneca, Letters from a Stoic)
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ponoka United Church, Nature Conservancy of Canada, or a charity of choice.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ponoka United Church. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at the church prior to the service. The Interment Service will follow at Forest Home Cemetery.
To express condolences to Viola's family and to access the livestream broadcast, please visit womboldfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements Entrusted To Ponoka Funeral Home
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~
Service Details
11:00 AM